Middlesbrough V Doncaster at The Riverside Stadium : Match Preview

24 October 2013 12:31

Middlesbrough caretaker boss Mark Venus faces a series of decisions as he prepares to name his team for Friday night's Sky Bet Championship clash with Doncaster.

Venus was asked to take charge of team affairs following Tony Mowbray's departure on Monday in the wake of a 3-2 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Barnsley.

Defender Daniel Ayala joined the club on a three-month loan deal from Norwich after Mowbray's exit and will come into contention for the first time.

Former England international Jonathan Woodgate is Venus' only injury doubt as his calf problem continues to be assessed. Woodgate has missed the last three games after straining his calf in the 2-0 defeat at QPR on September 28.

Doncaster captain Rob Jones is expected to be fit for Rovers' trip to managerless Middlesbrough.

Jones was taken off - and taken to the hospital - with a suspected broken arm last weekend after an aerial collision with Reading's Sean Morrison. However, scans showed nothing more serious than bruising and nerve damage and it is thought the centre-half will travel with the squad to Teesside for Friday night's fixture.

On the off-chance that Jones is not risked, and with Jamie McCombe (back) ruled out for the long-term, former Manchester United youngster Luke McCullough could make his senior debut, although manager Paul Dickov is trying to sign loan cover.

Left-back James Husband (shoulder) is also a long-term absentee and forward Harry Forrester (torn quad) is still out, while Federico Macheda is still receiving treatment for a hamstring injury back at Manchester United.